Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Since the begining of Operation Decisive Storm on March 26th, 2015, most of the Yemeni Air Force has been destroyed on the ground by the Saudi led coalition airstrikes. Begining May, Al-Dalaimi air base was targeting and one Mig-29, two F-5s, one Mi-8, three Su-22s, two IL-76TDs were destroyed. Most of these aircrafts were probably not airworthy (except the Ilyushins). On August 4th, one Su-22 and one Mig-21 were lost on Al-Anab (close to Aden IAP) during the battle for the taking of the base by coalition airstrikes.

Sunday, October 18, 2015

The first video below was taken by the FLIR of a Bell IA-407 engaged in combat operation in Ramadi area together with Mi-28NE. The action took place precisely in Albu Faraj area near Ramadi on October 17th. Many ISIS positions were destroyed using Ataka missiles and rockets.

Saturday, October 17, 2015

This month, I publish two articles in DSI Magazine. First one in October issue with a paper about Iraqi Air Force Order of Battle and its engagement against Islamic State. The second in the special issue of October-November dedicated to British forces with a paper on Royal Air Force engagements history since the 1980's after the Falkland war.

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Last July, a meeting between the Iranian General, Qassem Soleimani, and the Russian President, Validimir Putin, in Moscow was leaked to the media by western intelligence. While the contents of the meeting still secret, it's believed that the two men discussed the deteriorating situation in Syria where forces loyal to the current President, Bashar Al Assad, lost most of Idlib province, part of Daraa and Homs provinces. Shortly after the meeting, Iranian media reported about a greater military involvement of Russia in Syria alongside Iranian (affiliated) forces. In September, two major developments occurred. First, independent sources confirmed the transfer of Russian military assets to Syria including modern ground-attack aircrafts, air superiority fighters, armored vehicles. Second, a great "anti-terror" alliance between Russia, Iran, Iraq and Syria (or what remains of it) was announced. When Russia launched its first "anti-IS" airstrikes against "non-IS" forces it was unclear how this new alliance with Iran would materialize on the ground. Many believed Iran was already all out and couldn't do more in Syria. Further evidences show Iran, alongside Russia, has stepped up support for Syria after the Soleimani-Putin meeting.

Monday, October 12, 2015

The photos below show the first Iraqi Air Force T-50IQ with serial number "5001" after leaving the factory and after its first test flight on July 13th, 2015. In December 12th, 2013, 24 T-50 training aircrafts were ordered to K.A.I. (Korea Aerospace Industries). The first aircraft should be delivered in April 2016. The others plane having to be transferred within a 12-month period. Beginning July 2015, reports announced finally the arrival of the first aircrafts before the end of the year. In September, as reported here, Iraqi pilots started to train in Pakistan Air Force Academy (PAFA) at Risalpur on K-8 Karokorum aircrafts before join Korea to train on T-50. (All photos credits K.A.I.)

Saturday, October 10, 2015

On Saturday morning of October 10th, 2015, Iraqi Defence Minister Mr. Khaled al-Obeidi visited al-Kut Air Base and oversaw the launch of the first official flight of Iraqi CH-4B drone that will be used against ISIS. Iraq ordered CH-4B UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) to China, probably after the visit of Chinese foreign minister in February 2014. According to Aero Histo sources, the first batch was received on January 23rd, 2015. First pictures of three units were seen in March.